Winter Safety and Safe Snow Removal

By Dr. Richard LouisInjury Prevention Coordinator, NB Trauma
Program

Winter Safety

Take a walk, shovel some snow, build a snow fort, strap on your
skates, or hit the slopes. No matter what you are doing outside
this season, appropriate clothing can make the experience safe and
comfortable.

Clothing choices are important while walking or
running outdoors, especially at night. Remember to wear light
coloured or reflective clothing, use a flashlight and walk on the
left side of the road facing traffic, if there is no access to
sidewalks. Being clearly visible to drivers helps decrease your
risk of being struck.

Choosing appropriate winter footwear is
important as well. For warmth and stability, the choice of a light
weight, well-insulated, waterproof boot with a thick, non-slip
tread sole with a low and wide heel can help reduce the risk of a
fall.

For activities like skating or skiing, remember to wear a
properly fitted CSA-approved helmet to help
decrease your risk of a head injury. Helmets help reduce the risk
of major brain injury such as a skull fracture, and should always
be worn by both children and adults. However, they are not designed
to prevent concussions.

A concussion is a brain injury which can be
caused by any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body
which causes a sudden jarring of the head. You don't need to be
knocked out to have a concussion.

People may experience many different signs and symptoms. Some
common symptoms include:

General confusion

Headache

Dizziness

Double or blurry vision

Poor coordination or balance

The signs and symptoms of a concussion often last on average for
7 to 10 days. Concussion symptoms can last much longer,
especially if you are 18 years old or under or have had previous
concussions. Concussion symptoms are made worse by physical and
mental exertion. It is important to be seen by a healthcare
professional trained in concussion recognition and management to
help you follow the necessary protocol for recovery from a
concussion.

Snow Removal Safety

Snow blowers are useful machines that can make
the task of clearing the snow a lot easier, but they are also
potentially dangerous. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe
while operating your snow blower this winter.

Do not wear any loose clothing such as pants, jackets or scarves
which can get tangled in a snow blower's moving parts.

Never use your hands or feet to clear snow from the auger,
discharge chute or any other moving parts.

If the machine clogs while removing snow, shut the machine off
and wait for all moving parts to stop. Remember to use the clearing
tool that is provided by the manufacturer or a broom handle to
clear the clog.

Do not allow children to operate a snow blower. The person needs
enough size, strength, and coordination to comfortably reach and
use the controls.

Keep children and pets away from the area that is being
cleared.

Give full attention to where the discharge chute is aimed at all
times to be sure that no one is in the path of the snow stream,
which can also spew projectiles such as rocks and sticks at
dangerous speeds.

By following these simple safety tips, you can minimize the
potential risks associated with certain winter activities while
maximizing the benefits of being outside during these cold months.
For more information about staying safe in winter, please visit the
NB Trauma Program website at www.nbtrauma.ca .